Episode 51: King Of The Jungle

November 8th 6:00 a.m.

*BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP*

Groans exited out of Lapis' mouth as her eyes twitched. Her eyes slowly opened themselves up to the source of the horrific sounds entering her ears. Pulling her arm out from the blanket she reached her hand out and placed it on top of the source, silencing it. Quiet...and peace had been restored, but...another set of groans exited out of Lapis. Pulling the blanket off of her body Lapis pushed herself to the side of the bed and placed her feet onto the soft-smooth grass.

Lifting herself up she soon stretched her arms out, letting a few moans leave her mouth until she placed her arms down. Rubbing her eyes she turned around to her bed and began making it. Once she was done she turned her head to lock her eyes onto her bag. Walking over to it she picked it up and placed it on. With her bed made and her bag on Lapis grabbed her phone from the charger and placed it into her Gemstone.

'Hmm... Hopefully I answered the questions correctly. Still getting use to being a student at Dewey High." Lapis thought to herself. 'Still getting use to how much of my life has changed. For now...it's been...okay. Azurite is here. Kameron and Steven are here. The Rainbow allowed me to stay with them or anywhere I want. I've stayed away from the conflict. Made some human friends. And for the time being...it's been somewhat normal. But it's not always gonna be like this. The inevitable is coming soon.'

Lapis closed her eyes and let out a small sigh. Opening her eyes she sprouted her wings and took flight. Soaring through the air Lapis felt her lips stretching into a grin. All of this open-space, the plethora of trees, and the deep blue skies up above with a shining sun shooting it's rays at the ground. Lapis couldn't help but wonder how Azurite was able to have such a place all to herself, but regardless, it was so beautiful. This freedom she had was unlike anything she'd ever felt for a long, long time. No fighting, no wars, just...peace. Even if it was just wishful thinking, one day...it will be permanent.

Descending her eyes Lapis slowly lowered her body, diving straight toward the ground. Further and further she was getting close to it right until she swift lifted her body and planted her feet onto the grass. Taking a step forward she reached the door of the room and as she approached it the door automatically opened itself up for her. Walking out of the room her feet them touched the softness of the rugged carpet and placed herself into the hallway of the second floor. Looking down Lapis slowly watched as her bare feet glowed and in seconds transformed into a set of tennis-shoes.

'Really wish I didn't need to do this every time I go to school. It's a rule, but it's stupid.' Lapis thought to herself as she walked.

Traversing through the hallway she stopped right in front of Kameron's door. Raising her arm she placed her knuckle onto the door, "*knock knock* Kameron? Are you awake?"

"Yeah. Just woke up." Kameron replied on the other side.

Lapis opened her mouth to speak again...but the words didn't form. She adverted her eyes for a moment and placed her knuckle on the door again, "*knock knock* Kameron?"

"Yeah?" Kameron replied.

"Can we talk for a moment?" Lapis asked.

Without receiving a response the door opened up, revealing Kameron on the other side, only without a shirt. "What's wrong?" He asked.

Looking at his face Lapis directed her eyes onto the scar on his head. Last night she was told what happened after he, Lepidolite, and Garnet returned from the Alpha Kindergarten. She was glad to know that Peridot had been dealt with, but was taken back by how he got the scar. Along with the other scars on his body her eyes started to soften and he grip on her bag-strap tightened.

"May I come in?" Lapis asked softly.

Seeing the look in her eyes Kameron nodded, moving to the side and allowing her entry. As Lapis came in Kameron turned to see her sit down on his bed. Walking over to his dresser he grabbed a shirt and placed it on before going over to her and sitting right beside her.

"Is everything okay?" Kameron asked.

Lapis slowly shook her head. "I should be asking you that."

"Lapis. I'm still alive." Kameron said gently.

"But...it's a miracle you can still walk around after getting injured. And...how much more do you and Steven have to bare?" Lapis replied.

"As long as there's Corrupted and until Home-World is dealt with." Kameron answered honestly. "I wasn't expecting Zac's aunt to put a bullet in my skull, but I'm okay. I try to keep myself safe, but I'm more focused on keeping others safe more. As much as I want to leave this life, and I really want to...I still have a promise to keep until it's done."

Turning her head Lapis moved herself forward, getting dangerously close to Kameron's face. Lifting her hand she slowly placed it onto Kameron's. "What about me? What about your family? Our friends? Do you really want to leave us behind?" She said as her eyes began to shake. "I am forever grateful to you and Steven for saving me, but I'm also grateful that you brought me back to my friends. You never gave up on me even when I told you to stop. And you give my life so much more meaning than it use to. It's your choice to live and to die whenever you want, but...I don't want to lose one of most amazing beings that helped me when I really needed it."

"Lapis..." Kameron said softly.

Without warning...Lapis closed her eyes, pushed her head forward, placing her lips onto Kameron's. At the sheer feeling of her lips, Kameron's eyes shot open. As if time had decided to stop for just the two of them, his thoughts immediately halted. His heart...began to beat at a steady rhythm. His cheeks...scorched themselves and turned his entire face red. What was happening right now?

Lapis soon pulled away from him. Her lips separated themselves from his and her cheeks began to turn dark blue. Her eyes blinked and a few tears exited out of them. "Brittney...told me that's how a girl shows her feelings to a boy she cares about." Lapis explained. "And...I care about you, Kameron. So please, please keep on living. For me. For those who care for you."

Kameron blinked at her. It's been...a while since...a girl kissed him like that. Though the first one who ever gave him his first kiss was...

"Oh... She did..." Kameron replied.

Soon the both of them looked down to see that their hands were still touching each other. Their hands slowly separated as they got up from the bed.

"Umm...I still need to get ready." Kameron said, adverting his eyes.

"Y-Yeah. I'll wait downstairs." Lapis replied as she walked out of the room.

As she left Kameron released a long sigh while patting his cheeks, getting them back to normal.

Well... This...is going to be complicated - Z said in Kameron's head.

"That's just the tip of the iceberg." Kameron replied as he grabbed his jacket. "I'm gonna have to talk to Brittney about this."

November 8th 9:00 a.m.

High in the skies the sun shined it's rays onto the dry landscape below. Nothing but sand for miles and miles, or so they say unless you have the determination to keep going and explore the unknown.

Green Diamond. Father of the Rainbow Gems and husband to Christie Evans calmly walked upon the sands. If any human were to traverse these lands they would require food, transportation, and water to remain hydrated from the intense heat. No such necessities were needed for the man, only his current objective was all that was required. Step after step he continued moving forward, never stopping nor turning away from where he was going. Soon...it will all come into place.

Green slowly halted his legs. Narrowing his eyes he had arrived at his destination. From left to right were two large pink metallic structures. Each one covered in rust and falling apart as time moves on. No longer in good condition and nothing more than a remnant of the past. In between the structures laid a large stone-like entrance with a massive keyhole at it's center. This was the right place.

Raising his right arm Green's Gemstone began to glow and a small portion of light erupted out of it. Levitating in midair the light began to dim and from it Peridot's Gemstone. Rotating his hand the Gemstone slowly dropped onto Green's palm. In mere seconds the Gemstone started illuminating a bright green glow and began to levitate out of his hand. Taking a step back Green watched closely as Peridot began to reform and land onto the sands.

Once her feet touched the ground she opened her eyes to witness Green Diamond right in front of her. Her eyes shot open and she quickly jumped back before raising up her right arm, only now...there was nothing there. Lowering her head her eyes took notice of her bare arms and her bare feet.

"M-My Limb-enhancers!" Peridot screamed. Lifting her head she narrowed her eyes onto Green. "You! What in the name of the Universe have you done to my Limb-enhancers?!"

"Your Limb-enhancers are safe and are secured." Green answered her. "If you wish to have them returned, then I suggest you explain your objectives for this planet."

Peridot growled at him. She quickly crossed her arms and turned her head away. "Hmph. As if I will ever explain anything to a traitor. More so, the very Diamond responsible for the current status of Home-World."

"You are being very juvenile, Peridot." Green said as he crossed his arms. "Without your Limb-enhancers, you have nothing to defend yourself with. The technology in this area is beyond repair and functionality. I am more than willing to listen to your explanations so you may receive what is rightfully yours. Although, I could hand you over to the Crystals and have you bubbled alongside Jasper."

Turning her head back to Green Peridot's eyes shot open. Her eyes then adverted from his as her brain began to process. On one side, yes, she was very defenseless and had nothing to protect herself. She is now face to face with the enemy, and due to her current stature she could easily escape from his clutches, though that was inaccurate due to Green's capability. On the other side, cooperation. Explain her purpose for coming to this planet and have the chance to obtain her Limb-enhancers, but only if she complies. That outcome was pointless and would only further complicate her objectives, but...it can also give her the opportunity to fully complete her objective in secret.

"*sigh* Very well." Peridot said as she uncrossed her arms. "Green Diamond, I will cooperate with you, but only for the return of my belongings." She added, pointing a finger at him.

Green nodded. "Excellent." He soon uncrossed his arms and raised up his hand, "However..."

*SNAP*

With the snap on his fingers large crystal spikes erupted out of the sands. Each one stretched themselves high until they reached a certain point. Once they reached their points each spike fired off chains from their sides, connecting them to one another. Soon after green electricity began to surge through each of the spikes and chains, passing through them by the fraction of a second.

"W-What is this?" Peridot said, turning her eyes to each of the spikes.

"This...is a test, Peridot." Green replied. "I will keep my end of this agreement, though I am also well aware that you will not reveal everything to me and the others. And so, as much as I dislike giving harsh treatments like this, you must prove yourself first."

Once he was done speaking Green's Gemstone began to glow and from it a small sphere of light erupted out of it. The light soon began to shift and form into a large key before it slowly dimmed, showing it's true colors of pink with a rose insignia at it's hilt. Grabbing onto it Green got down onto one knee and handed the key to Peridot. Examining the item Peridot reached out and grabbed it, lifting it out of Green's hands.

"What is this?" Peridot asked.

"Behind you is the location of your Limb-enhancers." Green replied. "That key in your hands is how you are able to retrieve them."

Peridot's eyes started blinking rapidly. Her eyes turned to Green then back to the key and repeated the process. Her lips slowly stretched into a grin and in mere seconds she turned around and ran straight for the keyhole. Right as she got close a large cloud of sand brought her to a stop and blinded her vision. The cloud soon vanished and as Peridot opened her eyes they immediately shot open at the sight of Lion standing right in front of her.

*GROWL*

Narrowing his eyes Lion slowly lowered himself, showcasing his teeth at Peridot.

At the mere sight of him Peridot raised the key up while her body started shaking. "W-What is this thing?"

"This is Lion." Green replied. "His is the pet of the Crystal Gems. He originally belonged to Rose Quartz, but after her passing I took the liberty to look after him for a time until he encountered the Crystals. He normal occupies himself, but he has come to listen and understand us from time to time. And so, I have asked him to test you and you must get pass him to obtain your belongings."

Peridot quickly turned her head at Green and then back to Lion. Was he serious? Was this clod actually serious about her trying to get pass this creature?

"My family and the Crystals will visit you once a day to check on your progress. Only after you complete your test may we speak." Green said as he summoned his Warp Whistles.

"You can't be serious?!" Peridot yelled. "You're going to leave me alone with this...beast?"

"Yes." Green said as he warped away.

*GROWL*

With another fierce growl from Lion Peridot turned around and ran.

November 9th 1:00 p.m.

Emerging from the rubble of rusty metal, Peridot walked out of the old machinery with the pink key in hand. Getting onto the sand her eyes narrowed at her target. Lion merely laid himself onto the sands, letting out small snores from his mouth. This was prime opportunity.

Slowly approaching Lion Peridot tightly gripped onto the key. Step by step she carefully came close to the beast and carefully circled around it. Unfortunately...as she took the next step Lion's eyes instantly shot open and his head quickly turned to Peridot. Peridot immediately froze as her eyes shifted down to see her foot placed onto Lion's tail. She smiled sheepishly at him and removed her foot.

Raising the key into the air she cried out and attempted to hit him with it, but Lion quickly moved away just before it made contact. Standing near the door Lion narrowed his eyes as they glowed pink before he opened his mouth, unleashing a concussive roar. The sheer force easily pushed Peridot away from him, making her crash into the sands and roll over. Picking herself up she growled at him and turned around to see Kameron, Lapis, Steven, and Connie watching her from afar.

"You all are enjoying this, aren't you?" Peridot said.

"Enjoying the fact that you're facing the king of the jungle and already he's kicking your tail? Not really." Kameron replied as he turned a page from his manga.

"Kameron. Shouldn't we give her a little help?" Steven asked.

"Yeah, this doesn't look fair at all." Connie added.

"We can't, Steven." Kameron replied. "She has to do this on her own without assistance."

"Besides, it's satisfying to see her get what she deserves." Lapis added while reading her own manga.

Peridot growled again and turned her attention back to Lion. Raising her key she ran up to him, attempting to repeat her action, only for Lion to hit her with another concussive roar.

November 10th 3:00 p.m.

Walking onto one of the large metallic structures, Peridot quietly tip-toed alongside it, locking her eyes onto Lion below. Increasing her grip on the key she narrowed her eyes. Bending her knees she leaped into the air, rapidly descending through the air and planting herself right onto Lion's back. Feeling the impact Lion raised himself up and started running. With her free hand Peridot gripped onto Lion's mane as they rushed through the sands.

Up ahead they were coming up to the metallic structures right until Lion moved to the side, swiftly pushing his body to make Peridot release her grip, but to no avail. So he turned his attention to the other structure and came to an abrupt stop, lowering his upper-body to push Peridot off. Once again Peridot held herself on without letting go.

"Ha-ha, nice try you disgusting beast. But I am the victor!" Peridot called out as she raised the key and whacked Lion's head with it.

On impact Lion growled ferociously. Glaring up at Peridot Lion turned his body around to the previous structure and made his way toward it. Assuming he was going to recreate his previous attempts, Peridot held onto his mane tightly. reaching up to it Lion leaped into the air, unsheathing his claws and impacting onto the structure. With his claws into the metal Lion pushed himself up piercing into the metal again and again until he made it to the top.

'Huh? What is it trying to do now?' Peridot thought.

Lion's eyes glowed pink once more as he quickly rushed through the metallic structure, only this time his speed was greatly increased. Peridot got taken back by the increase in speed, but regardless she continued to hold onto him. Turning his direction Lion greatly leaped into the air and swiftly turned his body to it's side. Lifting her head Peridot was too slow to notice his objective, aiming themselves right into a spike.

POOF!

On impact both Lion and Peridot were hit with unimaginable amount of electricity. Peridot was then poofed from the action while Lion got pushed back and crashed onto the sands. The key Peridot was holding onto fell right next to her Gemstone right as Lion carefully lifted himself up. Walking over to Peridot's Gemstone he picked it up with his mouth and went over to Pyrope, Citrine, and Onyx before spitting it out of his mouth.

"Not bad, Lion. That was a bold move." Pyrope said.

"Here's your reward." Citrine added, summoning a piece of steak. Handing it to him Lion took it into his mouth and began eating.

"A very simplistic maneuver.." Onyx added.

November 11th 4:00 p.m.

With the key in hand Peridot dragged it through the sand, forming a circle and stepping into it. Turning her body around she narrowed her eyes onto her target, "Alright you stupid beast, step into the circle."

Lion blinked at her.

"I said step into the circle!" Peridot yelled. "You will go down by my hands! I will defeat you and claim what is rightfully mine! Now get your tail in this circle so we can settle this!"

Lion opened his mouth, letting out a yawn right before he lifted his front paw and began licking it.

Peridot soon gritted her teeth as her body started shaking. This is so humiliating beyond anything in her lifespan. She's a technician! When she was born she was one of the greatest tech experts on Home-World! Working with technology, making reports, making log dates, ordering her Robonoids to do what they were created to do, and most of all, serving the Great Diamond Authority and doing her part for what they were achieving. But as of now, she's placed in a scenario without the ability to make any kind of contact with her planet and is under the custody of the very rebels she despises.

Turning her head Peridot directed her attention onto the Rainbow sisters. "Can you four make that thing come into the circle?"

"Can't do that, Peridot." Lepidolite said while Charoite was combing her hair.

"C'mon!" Peridot yelled. "You aren't technically helping me. You're just commanding the thing. There's a difference."

"It's still helping ya." Amber said, checking her guns.

Peridot growled at them before she glared at Lion, who was still licking his paw. "Stupid creature!"

Raising up the key Peridot threw it right at Lion, hitting him right in the head. Moving his head he looked down at the key and then pointed his attention onto Peridot. Growls exited out of his mouth as he lowered his paw onto the sand. He then began to slowly approach Peridot with a tight glare. Small nervous chuckles exited Peridot's mouth as she slowly backed away from him. In mere seconds Lion charged at her, making Peridot turn around and storm off.

"I find it very torturous for us to merely do nothing while Lion goes after Peridot in her current state." Azurite said.

"Don't feel too bad." Charoite replied as she finished combing Lepidolite's hair. "Lion doesn't get too aggressive unless he gets really provoked."

"Same." Amber added. "Ah once sparred wit'em a couple times and he was rough. What he's doin' wit Peridot is tamed."

Peridot's screams entered the sisters' ears again as they watched her getting chased by Lion from the other side of the area.

November 12th 5:00 p.m.

Lion silently walked around the wreckage of machinery, slowly turning his head from left to right. Walking forward he continued to keep his eyes out for Peridot while keeping his claws out. His ears started fluffing up and down right as he rapidly turned his head to find...nothing. Moving away he resumed his search for the Home-World Gem.

Peridot herself was within a location among the machinery. The key laid next to her as she sat down on the rusty metal and held her legs close to her chest. Her eyes descended onto her knees as she let out a long sigh.

'Inner Log Date: 12-9-15-13. I am currently within the remains of a ship, secluding my existence from a pink beast on Earth. My only weapon at the moment is a pink key given to me by Green Diamond. It is the only equipment in my arsenal and my only way to obtain my Limb-enhancers. Unfortunately...the test my captors gave me is more difficult than I anticipated. I have more enjoyment solving more complex systems than risking my own life. More so, I am becoming very aggravated and stressful. I have no knowledge of how long I've been on his planet nor the time of day, but such confusions have been solved thanks to my captors. I will complete this ridiculous trial and soon my beloved Limb-enhancers shall return to me. Afterwards, my objective shall resume. Inner Log Date: End.' Peridot thought to herself.

Removing her arms from her legs Peridot grabbed the key and lifted herself up. Walking out of her area Peridot stopped in place. Right in front of her...was her target. Lion's eyes began to glow pink as he slowly approached her. Peridot glared at him, tightening her grip on the key and began to make her way to him. Little by little the two locked eyes without looking away, without making a snarl or comment.

In a flash Lion opened his mouth, unleashing a ferocious concussive roar. Peridot quickly leaped out of the way and made her way toward him. Lion jumped into the air, stretching his paws out to his prey. As he was coming up to her Peridot quickly lowered her body, sliding right under him. Lion land back onto the rusty metal just as Peridot rushed up to him, jumping into the air and clamping herself onto his back. Opening his mouth Lion released another concussive roar, aiming it right onto a wall and breaking it open before running toward it.

Rushing through the newly made pathway, Lion and Peridot were now outside again and began to traverse through the sands at an alarming speed. Up ahead Peridot glanced at an upcoming spike, but her lips began to stretch into a grin. Right as they were getting close to it Peridot released her grip onto Lion, making herself crash on the sand just as Lion leaped into the spike. Like before Lion was hit with a huge surge of energy, only unlike last time Peridot wasn't on him anymore.

Roars of pain exited his mouth while he got pushed back, impacting the sand and rolling onto his back.

"Ha! How do you like that you clod!?" Peridot cheered. "I learn from mistakes while you merely repeat your own actions! Now that you're in a weakened state I can finally complete this test!" She added as she turned around and ran.

Her lips stretched into a large as she stormed toward the structure holding her belongings. Right as she approached it she raised up the key and placed it right into the keyhole. Turning it a clicking sound entered her ears, making her gasp in joy right as she removed the key and dropped it. She slowly placed her hands onto the door and began pushing it, but as she tried added more pressure...

*GROWL*

A loud echoing roar entered her ears, causing her to gasp and slowly turn around to see a large pink portal in front of her. Peridot attempted to examine the phenomenon, but the chance never came as Lion burst through the portal, pushing Peridot onto the sand with his paw. Snarls exited his mouth, glaring down at the Home-World Gem with his claws slowly entering her body. More and more pressure got added onto his paw right until...

POOF!

In an instant Peridot was poofed again and Lion picked up her Gemstone into his mouth until he jerked his head, throwing the Gemstone away from the door.

From afar Pearl, Bismuth, Amethyst, and Garnet observed the entire display in silence.

"Damn. That was ruthless." Amethyst said.

"It sure was." Bismuth replied. "I think that's gonna be enough to make her crack."

"She's been going at this for days, so I'm sure this experience will surely way down onto her mental state." Pearl added. "Lion is the alpha male in this situation and his species are known to be decent hunters when on the prowl."

"Very true." Garnet replied. "I think she's reaching her breaking point. Once it gets shattered we'll get our information."

November 13th 10:00 a.m.

Through the Warp Whistle Green appeared in the area alongside his beloved wife, Christie. Once they arrived the sounds of crying entered their ears, making them turn their attention to see Peridot sitting on the sand and holding her legs to her chest. The parents slowly approached her, blocking the sun rays on her and making her lift her head up to see them standing in front of her. A few sniffle exited her nose as she removed her visor and wiped her tears.

"Congratulations, Green Diamond. It appears that you've managed to achieve your objective." Peridot said.

Green shook his head. "No, Peridot. Breaking you down was not my intention."

Peridot's eyes soon glared at him as more tears exited out of her eyes, "Well I'm sure it must've been the objective of the Crystal Gems. And through every attempt I have failed to surpass that creature." She said as she pointed at Lion, who was lazily licking his paw. "And now...I will never obtain my Limb-enhancers. I will never complete my mission. And more so, I will never be able to continue working for The Cause."

More sobs left Peridot as she buried her head into her knees. So many attempts...yet each one failed. No matter how many times she tries to get pass Lion, every motive, method, action, tactic, and plan all end in failure. Nothing but failure after failure with that beast poofing her at every second. She thought of every scenario she could think of to complete the test, but every single process became obsolete. Now...there's nothing else she can do.

"Peridot." Christie said softly.

Peridot slowly lifted her head to the Organic. She opened her mouth to speak, but any word she could pronounce were deleted as Christie wrapped her arms around Peridot's body. A small gasp left Peridot's mouth, being placed into the arms of an Organic...and yet somehow...it was comforting.

"Please don't cry. It was never Green's intention to bring you down to this level." Christie said softly.

"May we ask you something, Peridot?" Green asked.

Christie slowly released the little Gem from her arms. Peridot shifted her head to look up at Green, "What?"

"May we help you?" Green said.

Peridot's eyes slowly widened at his words. Help? Help her? For the longest time Peridot had always been independent and never relied on anyone unless it was needed, requested, or required. She's had assistance from many Gems, but they weren't always great at their jobs like she was. This... Right now...felt different. This was a problem she couldn't solve on her own. So...with everything she's done and tried to do...there was only one option remaining.

"Y-Yes." Peridot whispered. "Yes. Help me."

With silent nods the parents helped Peridot up and grabbed the key. Walking over to Lion the feline raised himself up to them before approaching Green. Raising his hand Green placed it onto Lion's head, slowly rubbing it into Lion's fur and getting a few purrs from him. "Thank you, Lion. You've been a great help to us. May we please unlock the door?"

Removing his hand Green watched as Lion silently moved to the side. Raising up the key he placed it into the keyhole and turned it. A clicking sound entered everyone's ears before Green removed the key and opened the door. Once opened Peridot gasped at a sight she hadn't seen for so long, her Limb-enhancers.

Running away from the parents Peridot picked up her legs and placed them on first then placed on her arms. A long sigh exited her as her fake fingers spun around while she jumped in place. At long last, she was reunited with he belongings.

"Now Peridot." Green said, gaining her attention. "I've kept my word. It's your turn."

"Do keep in mind that we will take away your Limb-enhancers again if you try to anything. Be thankful we didn't throw them away or destroy them." Christie added firmly.

Halting her movements Peridot turned to the parents and gave them a nod. For the longest time without her Limb-enhancers she's had to suffer and prove herself to obtain them. Despite facing the leader of the Rainbow Gems and a Organic, a deal was made.

"Very well. I will explain my objectives." Peridot said firmly.

End Of Episode 51.

Hope you all enjoyed this. To be honest, this did take a lot longer than I thought it would be, but I'm finally glad it's over.

I want to expand Lion a bit more since he doesn't really do much in Canon. He does help out every now and then, but I wanted to have him do a bit more. Also I'm sure the beginning portion of this episode had some of you curious. To be honest again, yes, Lapis X Kameron will be a thing here. How it play out is another story that I won't spoil, so...sorry.

Next Time:

The Cause